The Impact of Classical Music on Performance in Robotic Surgery Simulation

N/AEnrolling By InvitationNCT07639788

Medical University of Vienna30 enrolled

Overview

In this experimental crossover study using the da Vinci simulator, the aim is to investigate how classical music influences the surgical performance of medical students. Following a brief training phase, participants complete standardized tasks under two conditions (no music vs. classical music). Performance is assessed using an objective trainer score. The study is conducted in a risk-free simulation environment, the stimuli are standardized, participation is voluntary, and data are collected in a pseudonymized manner. The goal is to obtain evidence-based insights into the effects of music and distraction on training and the working environment in robotic surgery.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Surgical Surgical Behaviour in the Operating Room Da Vinci Robot da Vinci SP Surgical System

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: The study includes adult (≥ 18 years) medical students between the first completed and the twelfth completed semester. Prior experience in robotic surgery or with training simulators is not required; however, basic familiarity with the use of technical devices is necessary. Furthermore, participants must have sufficient knowledge of German or English to provide informed consent and fully understand the instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of capacity to provide informed consent * Insufficient language proficiency (German/English) * Known hypersensitivity to noise * Hearing or balance disorders * Conditions that significantly affect attention or motor skills (e.g., tremor, myopathies) * Acute illnesses that may impair participation, substance influence, or severe fatigue * Direct dependency or evaluative relationship with members of the study team

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Da Vinci Surgical Performance Score

The primary outcome measure reflects the objective performance in the robotic da Vinci simulator and is automatically calculated by the simulation system based on parameters including total task completion time, error rate, and task precision. A higher score indicates a better performance during the task.

Time frame: Once after each cycle (estimated: 15 minutes per cycle) of performing the standardized simulated surgical tasks (once with and once without exposure to Classical Music), the Performance Score will be measured by the simulation system.

Secondary Outcomes

Subjective Performance Score 1

Subjective measures of workload and perception are collected by using the SURG-TLX questionnaire (including subscales for mental and physical workload, time pressure, task complexity, stress, and distraction) including 6 questions (0-21 points per question) with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 126 points. A lower score indicates better subjective performance.

Time frame: After each cycle (estimated: 15 minutes per cycle)of performing the standardized simulated surgical tasks (once with and once without exposure to Classical Music), the Subjective Performance Score will be measured by the SURG-TLX.

Subjective Performance Score 2

Subjective measures of workload and perception are collected by using an additional questionnaire for a brief self-assessment of concentration and perceived distraction including 3 questions (0-10 points per question) with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 30 points. A higher score indicates better subjective performance.

Time frame: After each cycle (estimated: 15 minutes per cycle) of performing the standardized simulated surgical tasks (once with and once without exposure to Classical Music), the Subjective Performance Score will be measured by the additional questionnaire.